Did Louis van Gaal make the right decision in allowing Javier Hernandez out on loan in order to promote Under-21 striker James Wilson?

At the start of the season, van Gaal made a firm and decisive decision to allow strikers Hernandez and Danny Welbeck to leave in order to bring England Under-20 striker James Wilson through the ranks.

Both players have earned praise from their respective managers - Carlo Ancelotti and van Gaal - this season, but neither have really done enough to get a good run in the first team. Although, considering the competition at both clubs, it's hardly surprising.

Hernandez, now 26, has known his role and fate at United for a while and, given the Mexican isn't getting younger, it's arguably justifiable that he was sacrificed to make way for young blood to come through.

We take a look at several key aspects of a striker's game, from league matches only, to see which of the duo have made a better impact on paper:

Team

League

Goals

Total Shots

Shot on Target

Assists

Key Passes

Accurate Passes

Poss Lost All

Appearances

Mins Played

James Wilson

Manchester Unted

Premier League

0

4

1

0

1

51

40

9

272

Javier Hernandez

Real madrid

La Liga

3

7

3

1

2

38

12

15

164

Unsurprisingly, the more experienced Hernandez wins in all but one - accurate passes - category. However, when you take into account the extra game time Wilson has had at United, it's a clean sweep by the Mexican.

Nevertheless, the decision to let Chicharito leave for Real Madrid may just prove to be a shrewd one.

Not part of van Gaal's immediate or long-term plans, the 26-year-old left on loan to Real Madrid - a decision many questioned at the time. However, given his goalscoring record per minute while at Madrid, it could tempt other European sides into a bidding war for his services at the end of the season.

As for Wilson, at 19, he still has years to develop and progress into the best striker he can possibly be. Although he may not be as good as Hernandez yet, looking long-term, he was the sensible choice.